CT scans are a type of imaging used for a variety of purposes. First used in the 1970s, It’s now one of the most common body imaging diagnosis tests and gets used by medical facilities globally every day.
At Trinity Medical Centre, we offer best in class CT scan services to clients from our imaging centres located in Central and Kowloon, Hong Kong. Our technicians perform CT scans to help analyse concerns related to organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels.
What Is a CT Scan?
A CT scan or “Computerised Tomography” scan is a sophisticated imaging solution that can produce several cross-sectional images of the human body. It provides images much clearer than conventional x-rays and is helpful for an array of reasons.
For example, CT scan images can help diagnose infectious and cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and trauma. Our skilled radiologists conduct CT scans each day and interpret the results to help doctors form accurate diagnoses.
With CT scan images, brain disorders and conditions can also get identified during each test. Heart CT scan images can confirm any cardiovascular problems in clients, and with CT images, abdomen trauma and organ concerns will be identified with ease.
When it comes to identifying respiratory system problems, a CT scan images lung size, shape, and function, enabling the radiographer to confirm any suspicions your doctor may have about your respiratory system.
In short, a CT scan offers a multitude of diagnostic help and is far superior to conventional x-rays.
How Does a CT Scan Work?
Before the CT scan begins, you may get asked to consume a special dye (a “contrast material”) to help internal body structures show up more clearly on the imagery. You’ll also get asked to wear a hospital gown and remove any jewellery and other metallic objects.
In some cases, you may also get asked to not eat anything for four or five hours before your scan. That’s because undigested food in the stomach can make it difficult for clear images to get taken.
You will then get asked to lie on a special table facing upwards. The table then moves into the CT scanner, and you’ll hear a series of clicks or other noises, along with the scanner moving around you; when that happens, the scanner is taking image “slices” of your body.
The whole process takes between 20 minutes and one hour, depending on the imagery required in the procedure.
Some people may wonder if CT/MRI/PET scans are all the same. They are similar but aren’t entirely identical; here’s why:
CT Scans vs MRI Scans
CT and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans both get used for capturing a series of images that reflect the inside of a person’s body. Perhaps the main difference between the two technologies is how they achieve that goal.
CT scans use x-ray technology to capture images, whereas MRI scans use radio waves and magnets. MRI scans cause radio waves and magnetic fields to bounce off the body’s fat and water molecules, resulting in the desired images.
CT Scans vs PET Scans
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography and is another type of imaging test used to identify diseases in the body. As with CT scans, the person consumes a special dye before the test to help provide clear imagery of the body’s internal organs and functions.
When a doctor requests a PET scan, they do so because they want to see what’s happening at a cellular level; that’s something a CT scan cannot do.
What Equipment Do You Use for CT Scans?
At Trinity Medical Centre, our imaging centre has the latest Philips iCT Elite. It’s a state of the art, low-radiation CT scanner, and we’re only one of four medical practice service providers in all of Hong Kong to feature it.
The Philips iCT Elite boasts 256-slice CT technology, meaning it can take more detailed imagery than most other CT scanners. Another advantage of the device is it only emits one-sixth the radiation of standard CT scanners.
Why Get a CT Scan From Trinity Medical Centre?
You’ll prefer using Trinity Medical Centre because we invest heavily in our teams and the equipment they use. Our specialist staff have the right blend of skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to provide a superior service to all our clients.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a CT scan.
